The winter holiday season can be an extremely stressful time. Running around buying presents and seeing family can be exciting, but on the flip side, it is a lot.
This may persuade you to think taking classes can be way too much. However, I encourage you to give winter classes a chance; it may even be a lifesaver later in your college career.
Save Money
Taking winter classes can be a major financial decision. However, taking extra classes over the winner can help you graduate early. Being home over the holiday means you can take these classes at a local community college.
When I take classes back at home it’s a third of the price of what I pay normally for classes. You may even find that your local colleges have a sponsored tuition rate for living in the district. On the other hand, make sure to check that these classes transfer to your college if you choose to take the classes at a different institution.
Your college over winter break may or may not offer winter classes. If they do, look into reduced tuition rates and scholarships available. If you are staying on campus over break, winter classes can be a great opportunity to stay productive.
Virtual Classes
Nowadays, many virtual classes are available to take over winter break at your own pace. In my experience, I took a winter class that had two due dates. Half the material was due in the middle of the break, and a half at the very end.
I was still able to attend family gatherings, work and see friends while taking this class. The virtual class experience let me create my own schedule with all the lectures recorded ahead of time.
If you’re traveling over the holidays, you will need your laptop and an internet connection to complete your work.
Catch Up On Classes
Winter classes can help you play catch up over the winter season. The classes are accelerated versions of traditional fall and spring semesters.
Let’s say you struggled with a class during the fall semester and have to retake it. Well, winter classes may be a great solution for you to retake the class without having to put yourself behind in the spring semester. No one likes seeing their plans get messed up, but winter classes can be a great opportunity to set you back on track.
Complete A Minor
Completing a minor during winter classes can be a great use of your time. There’s a significant range for credits between minors but over a few winters, you could end up completing your minor during the holiday season.
Minors can be great additions to your candidacy for a job. Completing a minor during the regular fall and spring semester may feel impossible, but with winter classes it could work out for you.
Stay Productive
For some, the winter season could be an extremely busy time. However, that’s not the case for everyone. There have been times I have counted the hours till I returned to college.
If you happen to notice that you have an abundance of free time, might as well get some work done. Transitioning back to class after a long break can also be an odd adjustment for some individuals. Keeping up the pace over the holidays could be just the thing.
Learn To Keep Up The Pace
Winter classes are usually at an accelerated pace than normal classes. My first winter class had semesters’ worth of material pushed into four weeks.
While the fast pace was at times stressful, it also helped prepare me for more rigorous courses. I picked up more productive studying habits and started stressing the more important material. These skills I developed helped me in future classes.
Taking Winter classes was one of the best decisions of my academic career, but it is not for everyone. Keep in mind of academic burnout before you overcommit yourself. If winter classes do seem manageable during your holiday season I encourage you to give them a try!